Looking for a diner-style snack that’s easy on the waistline? If so, you’ll fall in love with our Baked Mozzarella Sticks. This recipe features gooey mozzarella cheese sticks coated in a flavorfully spiced panko bread crumb topping. Baking the mozzarella sticks keeps the recipe simple and eliminates a lot of mess…including greasy hands.
This healthier method of making Mozzarella Sticks cuts the prep time in half. You can even prep the mozzarella sticks ahead of time and bake them when ready! This recipe makes 24 cheese sticks, feeding a crowd. We can’t guarantee you’ll have leftovers, though!
This Baked Mozzarella Sticks recipe cooks in less than 30 minutes, but be sure to build in a little time to freeze the cheese sticks. Serve with a cup of marinara sauce, and you have a snack that rivals any restaurant appetizer. Once you try it, we know you’ll be hooked!
The Mozzarella Sticks History You Never Knew
Do you have “lotzza” Mozzarella Sticks knowledge? Test your skills with these fun facts.
- The concept of Mozzarella Sticks began in France, where it was customary to fry cheese in breading.
- The first Mozzarella Sticks appeared in the United States in the 1970s, quickly becoming a favorite at bars and bowling alleys.
- Mozzarella Sticks are traditionally served with marinara sauce, but everyone has their own preference..some even dip their sticks in jelly!
- Mozzarella is the top choice for fried cheese sticks, but others use pepper Jack, Monterey Jack, and even Swiss sticks.
- Mozzarella means “to cut off,” referring to how cheesemakers cut the mozz into balls.
- Mozzarella Sticks are universally loved and offered at skating rinks, pizza parlors, movie theaters, frozen food aisles, and even high-end joints.
- Mozzarella cheese is among the softest varieties. This is because it’s hand-stretched multiple times, giving it that ultimate “goo” factor.
Cost Benefits of Making Baked Mozzarella Sticks
A basket of 24 Mozzarella Sticks (usually considered TWO appetizers!) would cost about $20 if you went to a restaurant. Our version of Baked Mozzarella Sticks costs just $11.01. Keep in mind this may vary based on your locale.
Here’s how that breaks down:
- Mozzarella sticks: $4.00
- Panko bread crumbs: $2.00
- Eggs: $0.40
- Oregano: $0.03
- Thyme: $0.03
- Smoked paprika: $0.05
- Garlic powder: $0.03
- Onion powder: $0.03
- Salt: $0.02
- Pepper: $0.03
- Flour: $0.30
- Milk: $0.06
- Marinara: $2.00
So, the total cost to make this recipe is approximately $11.01. That cuts the price almost in half! Not to mention the convenience of having healthy Mozzarella Sticks at your disposal anytime you want!
How to Make Baked Mozzarella Sticks Recipe
Here’s how to make a batch of decadent Baked Mozzarella Sticks.
Step One: Cut the Mozzarella Sticks
Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Remove the mozzarella sticks from their packaging and cut them in half. You may want to cut your sticks into thirds if you’re serving a crowd.
Step Two: Mix the Breading
Whisk the eggs and milk in a small bowl. Place the flour in a separate medium-sized bowl and set aside.
In a separate large bowl, combine the Panko bread crumbs, oregano, thyme, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and flour until smooth.
Step Three: Bread the Mozzarella Sticks
Dip the halved cheese sticks in the egg and milk mixture, then the flour. Dip again into the egg and milk mixture, then the breadcrumb mixture. Place each mozzarella cheese stick on the prepared baking tray and freeze for two hours.
Step Four: Bake the Mozzarella Sticks
Preheat the oven to 400℉. Remove the mozzarella sticks from the freezer and spray with cooking spray. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown. Be sure to watch your Baked Mozzarella Sticks closely so they don’t burn. If the cheese starts to melt, remove from the oven.
Alternatively, you can air-fry the Mozzarella Sticks at 400℉ for 8-10 minutes.
Let cool before eating. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, and enjoy!
What to Serve With Baked Mozzarella Sticks
Baked Mozzarella Sticks are traditionally served with marinara sauce, but feel free to switch it up! Some people like dipping their Mozzarella Sticks in ranch, jelly, bleu cheese dressing, barbeque sauce, and honey mustard. You can also eat them plain if that’s your jam!
Storing Leftover Baked Mozzarella Sticks
Leftover baked Mozzarella Sticks can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to three months, ensuring proper storage to reduce the chance of freezer burn. This snack is a great make-ahead option for football games, family events, movie nights, and more.
To reheat your Baked Mozzarella Sticks, preheat the oven to 350℉ and heat for 8-10 minutes (if frozen) or 5-8 minutes (if refrigerated).
Baked Mozzarella Sticks: Easy, Cheesy, Delicious!
Equipment
- 1 Baking Sheets
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Cooking Spray
Ingredients
- 12 count mozzarella sticks
- 2 count eggs large
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 cup flour
- 1 cup Panko bread crumbs
- 1/4 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 count marinara sauce, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400℉ and line a baking tray with parchment paper. Remove the mozzarella sticks from their packaging and cut them in half. You may want to cut your sticks into thirds if you're serving a crowd.12 count mozzarella sticks
- Whisk the eggs and milk in a small bowl. Place the flour in a separate medium-sized bowl and set aside. In a separate large bowl, combine the Panko bread crumbs, oregano, thyme, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and flour until smooth.2 count eggs, 1/4 cup milk, 1 cup flour, 1 cup Panko bread crumbs, 1/4 teaspoon oregano, 1/4 teaspoon thyme, 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon sea salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- Dip the halved cheese sticks in the egg and milk mixture, then the flour. Dip again into the egg and milk mixture, then the breadcrumb mixture. Place each mozzarella cheese stick on the prepared baking tray and freeze for two hours.
- Remove the mozzarella sticks from the freezer and spray with cooking spray. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown. Be sure to watch your Baked Mozzarella Sticks closely so they don’t burn. If the cheese starts to melt, remove from the oven. Alternatively, you can air-fry the Mozzarella Sticks at 400℉ for 8-10 minutes.
- Let cool before eating. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, and enjoy!1 count marinara sauce, for serving
